A tragic incident unfolded at Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz County on Monday when high surf conditions turned deadly. Around 11:30 a.m., authorities received a call about a person trapped under debris or a log, reportedly due to the powerful waves.
Marty Greenstein, a spokesperson for California State Parks, shared that rescuers, along with some bystanders, worked together to free the man and immediately began CPR. Despite their efforts, the man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after.
The victim was identified only as a male resident of Santa Cruz County. His identity has not yet been released to the public.
This tragic event occurred just days after California State Parks issued a warning about a series of large westerly swells impacting the Central Coast. Over the weekend and into Monday, the waves were expected to reach heights of 15 to 20 feet, creating dangerous conditions for anyone near the water.
Adding to the chaos, part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed later that same day. At the time of the collapse, three workers were inspecting the structure and had to be rescued.
These incidents are a stark reminder of how unpredictable and hazardous the ocean can be, especially during periods of high surf. Beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about weather and surf conditions before heading to the coast.
